Senate to vote on lifting switchblade ban in Tenn.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Senate Judiciary has voted to send a bill to lift Tennessee's ban on switchblades to a full floor vote.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville was advanced on a 7-1 vote on Tuesday. It would also end restrictions on carrying blades longer than 4 inches. Bell said his research shows that the ban on switchblades is not based on criminal activity with spring-loaded knives.

The bill would set statewide rules for knives, meaning that local governments would no longer be able to set their own restrictions.

The companion bill has yet to be scheduled for a House subcommittee vote.